Photo of the Week: USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientists Monitor Activity in Kilauea Crater

The Photo of the Week visually showcases the exciting work federal labs do every day! 

About this image: 

The eruption in Halema‘uma‘u, at Kīlauea's summit, continues as of the evening of October 2, 2021. From the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u, this image shows at least three fountaining sources in the crater. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists monitoring the eruption noted that spatter from the fountain near the southeast edge of the island in the center of the lava lake (that formed during the December 2020-May 2021 eruption) is constructing a small cone on the island.

Photo credit: L. DeSmither/USGS

About the federal lab:

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is part of the USGS Volcano Hazards Program. HVO monitors earthquakes and active volcanoes in Hawaii to assess hazards, issue warnings and advance scientific understanding to reduce the impacts of volcanic eruptions. HVO communicates the results of its work to the public, emergency managers and the scientific community.